Native Nephrectomy

[Knucklehead]

I am due to go into hosptail on the 23 Feb this year to have my last remaining kidney removed, i have less than 10 per cent function, and the reason for the removal is it is causing infections in my urostomy, once this is done, i should be on dialysis for around 3 months, then hopefully i will receive a new kidney from my sister who has offered me this gift of a better life.

I was already scared stiff of going through the main transplant, god knows why..i should be elated!, but now i am even more worried that two operations are going to be putting me at risk of more complications and my recovery will not go as well as if i had just the one operation.

my question is: is it common to have this procedure done and are there likely to be any factors that would effect the outcome?, and any tips on getting the fear factor to come down a little.

my fantastic sister would not take no for an answer, and can't wait to get things moving, wish i felt like that at the moment

[okarol]

Jenna had many infections and the doctors had said they would probably remove her kidneys prior to a transplant.
However, once she began dialysis the infections stopped. In 3 years she only had one infection that cleared up
quickly. Her transplant is tomorrow and they are just adding one kidney, so she'll have 3.

[coravh]

I can't say if it's common or uncommon, but I do know people that have had it done for a variety of medical reasons. I would certainly wait a bit before the transplant to make sure that you are fully recovered, but other than that you should probably be fine. The people I know personally who have had a nephrectomy and then a transplant all did well.

Cora

[Fox_nc]

I had both of my native kidneys removed prior to my living related transplant 12 years ago.  It's my understanding that it's common to take out the native kidneys if they are causing other problems.  For me, since they were causing problems, including high blood pressure, I felt better after the nephrectomy.  It wasn't right away, don't get me wrong. It was a good 2 weeks before I was able to get out of bed, but once I recovered I felt way better.  It was 7 months between that surgery and my transplant, during which time I did PD.  It's also my understanding that the way they physically remove the kidneys now days it less invasive than it was back when I had mine done.  The day after my transplant I was up and ready to go home.  So, I guess what I'm saying is, aside from normal concerns of having any surgery, I wouldn't worry about the nephrectomy. Hope all goes well for you.  Keep us updated.

[Knucklehead]

Thank you for all your replies, just that i am worrying a bit too much at the moment, i suppose its all the waiting, and they keep changing dates which doesn't help much